Visit to Mrs 1[Trueman] The Use of Accomplishments Virtue the Soul of all

In the afternoon they visited Mrs ²[Trueman] unexpectedly, and found her sitting in the garden playing to her children, who danced on the green sod. She approached to receive them, and laid aside her guitar; but, after some conversation, Mrs Mason desired her to ³[take it up] again, and the girls joined in the request. While she was singing Mary whispered Mrs Mason, that she would give the world to be able to sing as well. The whisper was not so low but a part of it reached Mrs ⁴[Trueman’s ears], who said to her, smiling, My young friend, / you value accomplishments much too highly - they may give grace to virtue, ⁵[but] are nothing without solid worth. Indeed, I ⁶[may say more], ⁷[for] any thing like perfection in the arts cannot be attained, where a relish, ⁸[nay] a delight in what is true and noble is wanting. A superficial observer may be pleased with a picture in which fine colours predominate; and quick movements in music may tickle the ear, though they never reach the heart: ⁹[but] it is the simple strain which affection animates, that we listen to with interest and delight. Mr ¹⁰[Trueman] has a taste for the fine arts; ¹¹ [and] I wish in every thing to be his companion. His conversation has improved my judgment, and the affection an intimate knowledge of his virtues has inspired, increases ¹²[the love which I feel for the whole human race]. He ¹³[lives] retired from the world; ¹⁴[to amuse him after the business of the day is over, and my babes asleep, I sing to him. A desire to please, and the pleasure I read in his eyes, give to my music energy and tenderness.] When he is ruffled by / worldly cares, I try to smooth his wrinkled brow, and think mine a voice of melody, when it has had that effect.